Welcome to Royal Hayward Academy. The decision of where to pursue your education is one of the most significant you will make, and we are delighted that you are considering becoming part of our vibrant and dynamic academic community. Our admissions philosophy is rooted in a holistic approach; we seek to identify talented, motivated, and intellectually curious individuals from diverse backgrounds who will not only benefit from our unique educational environment but also contribute meaningfully to the life of the Academy. We are committed to a fair, transparent, and supportive admissions process for all applicants across our High School, Undergraduate, and Postgraduate programmes.
The Admissions Journey: A Guided Process
We understand that applying to a new institution can be a complex undertaking. Our dedicated admissions team is here to guide prospective students and their families through each stage of the application process. We encourage you to explore our programmes thoroughly, engage with our virtual or on-campus events where available, and reach out to our admissions officers with any queries you may have. Our aim is to ensure you have all the information necessary to make an informed decision and to present your application in the best possible light.
High School Admissions: Nurturing Young Potential
Entry into the Royal Hayward Academy High School Division is designed for students who demonstrate strong academic potential, a genuine enthusiasm for learning, and a character aligned with our community values. We look for students who are eager to engage with a challenging curriculum and contribute positively to our school environment.
The application process typically involves:
- Submission of previous academic transcripts and school reports.
- Completion of our standardised entrance assessments, designed to evaluate aptitude in core academic areas.
- A personal interview with a member of our admissions panel, providing an opportunity for us to learn more about the applicant’s interests, aspirations, and personality.
- For programmes with a specific arts focus, a portfolio submission or audition may be required to assess artistic talent and potential.
- Letters of recommendation from current teachers or school counsellors.
We assess applicants based on their academic achievements to date, their performance in our assessments, their extracurricular involvements, and their personal qualities as evinced through the interview and recommendations. We seek to build a diverse and well-rounded cohort of students each year.
Undergraduate Admissions: Aspiring Scholars and Creators
Admission to our Undergraduate School is competitive and considers a wide range of factors. We are seeking applicants who exhibit strong academic preparation, intellectual vitality, and a clear passion for their chosen field of study.
Key components of the undergraduate application generally include:
- Proof of completion of a recognised secondary school qualification (e.g., High School Diploma, A-Levels, IB Diploma, or equivalent international qualifications), meeting specific subject and grade requirements pertinent to the chosen degree programme.
- A compelling personal statement or essay outlining the applicant’s academic interests, motivations for pursuing the chosen programme at Royal Hayward Academy, relevant experiences, and future aspirations.
- Academic transcripts detailing all secondary and, if applicable, post-secondary coursework.
- Letters of recommendation from academic referees who can speak to the applicant’s intellectual abilities and potential for university-level study.
- For our creative programmes, such as Music Performance & Composition or Fine Art & Design, a portfolio submission or live/recorded audition is a critical component, showcasing artistic skill, creativity, and developmental potential.
- An interview may be part of the selection process for certain programmes or applicants, offering a chance for mutual exploration of fit.
We employ a holistic review process, meaning we consider all aspects of an application – academic performance, personal qualities, artistic talent (where applicable), and potential to contribute to our learning community.
Postgraduate Admissions: Advancing Your Expertise
Our Postgraduate School welcomes applications from individuals who have a strong undergraduate academic record and a clear commitment to advanced study and research in their chosen discipline. We look for candidates who are prepared for the rigours of postgraduate work and who demonstrate the potential to make original contributions to their field.
The postgraduate application process typically requires:
- Evidence of a completed Bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution, usually in a relevant discipline and often with a specific minimum classification or GPA.
- Official academic transcripts from all undergraduate and any previous postgraduate studies.
- A detailed statement of purpose or research proposal (particularly for research-intensive Master’s programmes like an MFA or some MSc/MA routes), outlining your academic background, research interests, proposed area of study, and career objectives.
- Two or three letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees who can attest to your suitability for postgraduate study and research.
- A curriculum vitae (CV) detailing your academic and professional experience.
- For creative practice programmes (e.g., MFA, MA Music Performance), a substantial portfolio of work or a series of auditions/performances is essential.
- Applicants whose first language is not English will typically be required to provide evidence of proficiency in English through a recognised standardised test.
The selection process at the postgraduate level places significant emphasis on academic excellence, research potential, the alignment of the applicant’s interests with faculty expertise, and the quality of the submitted portfolio or research proposal.
Commitment to Access and Diversity
Royal Hayward Academy is committed to fostering a diverse student body and believes that talent and potential are not confined by socio-economic background. While specific details of financial awards are provided separately, we endeavour to offer a range of scholarships and bursaries to support gifted students and to promote access to our programmes. We encourage all prospective students, regardless of their financial circumstances, to explore these opportunities.
We believe that the admissions process is a two-way street. It is an opportunity for us to learn about you, and equally, for you to determine if Royal Hayward Academy is the right intellectual and creative home for your aspirations. We look forward to receiving your application and potentially welcoming you to our esteemed community.